Rotating radio transient

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rotating radio transients (RRATs) are a newly discovered (as of 2006) type of neutron stars. RRAT bursts are short in duration (between 2 and 30 ms) and very bright (0.1-3.6 Jansky). Only one burst is seen at a time and the average time intervals between bursts range from 4 minutes to 3 hours, with radio emission typically detectable for < 1 s per day. Despite only being on for one burst at a time, periods can be determined if we observe over a long time. The periods seen in RRATs are longer than in radio pulsars, closer to those seen in magnetars. The nature of RRATs is still a subject of active research and telescopes like the GBT, Arecibo and Parkes are being used to search for more candidates.

[edit] External links

[edit] See also


Languages